SD gets new parks director

Herman Parker, who has 28 years experience, will receive $160,000 salary

San Diego  A man with 28 years experience developing parks and recreation centers for California cities and counties was appointed San Diego's new director of parks and recreation Thursday by Mayor Kevin Faulconer.

Herman Parker most recently served as parks director for Santa Barbara County. He's also worked for Temecula and Los Angeles County. His annual salary will be $160,000.

Parker replaces Stacy LoMedico, who left the position in October after nearly 30 years with the city. Since then, Andrew Field has held the job on an interim basis.

Faulconer said in a news release that Parker was an ideal fit.

“I’m confident that Herman Parker’s skills and talents will be a major asset to the city’s diverse park system, which includes some of the nation’s most beautiful and scenic parks, beaches and open space as well as the community and neighborhood-based recreational facilities," the mayor said.

Parker has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cal State Long Beach.